In a renewed push to curb accidents and enforce safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in collaboration with Lufredha Maritime Academy, has commenced a three-day intensive training programme for about 100 boat drivers employed by Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited in Warri, Delta State.
The in-house certification training, which aligns with NIWA’s prescribed safety standards for both private and commercial operators, is designed to equip participants with professional competence in navigation, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance, ultimately leading to the issuance of professional licences.
Speaking to journalists at the opening session held at the Maton Engineering office, the Managing Director of Lufredha Maritime Academy, Engr. Onajite Rosemary Tonlagha, said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to professionalise inland water transportation and reduce the alarming rate of mishaps across the country’s waterways.
According to her, the academy, now over seven years in operation, has maintained a strong working relationship with NIWA, focusing on training and certifying boat operators in line with national safety regulations.
“We are committed to ensuring that all inland waterway operators are properly trained in navigation, safety protocols, engine maintenance, and first aid,” she said. “One of the most critical components of our programme is the sea trial, where operators are practically assessed to determine their level of expertise.”
Engr. Tonlagha noted that while many operators claim to possess years of experience, their knowledge is often limited or based on informal, inherited skills.
“Navigation is not an inherited craft. It requires structured training, adherence to evolving safety standards, and compliance with regulations such as the use of life jackets, possession of valid licences, and restrictions on night operations,” she stressed.
She further highlighted that a major challenge in inland water navigation is the inability of some operators to identify hazards such as submerged wrecks, which significantly contributes to accidents.
“If these safety rules are strictly followed, we will witness safer waterways, reduced fatalities, and improved confidence in water transportation,” she added.
The academy’s MD also expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, for facilitating the training and demonstrating strong commitment to safety compliance.
“This initiative reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards humanity and the maritime sector. We commend Maton Engineering for setting a standard others can emulate,” she said.
Also speaking, the Head of Department (HOD) Marine and Technical Manager, Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Peter Zipamoh, explained that the training was necessitated by recurring marine incidents within riverine communities.
“Our objective is to provide speedboat drivers and captains with the technical knowledge required to navigate safely within creeks and inland waterways,” he said. “Given the frequency of accidents, particularly collisions, this programme is essential to improving safety outcomes.”
Zipamoh noted that the training covers critical areas such as safe navigation in densely populated fishing zones, accident prevention strategies, understanding maritime signals, managing overboarding situations, and handling adverse weather conditions.
“In our operational areas, especially during fishing seasons, the waterways are heavily occupied by local fishermen using canoes. This training is structured to help operators navigate these environments safely and responsibly,” he added.
Drawing from his over three decades of experience as a marine engineer, Ekpamo expressed satisfaction with the quality of the training and signalled interest in sustained collaboration.
“I am highly impressed with the depth and relevance of this programme. It aligns with global best practices, and we look forward to further partnerships to enhance capacity in the sector,” he said.
Delivering lecture on ‘Fire and Safety’, the Resource Person, Professor Chidi Nwaoha, of the Marine Engineering Department, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), took the participants on a wide range of fire incidents in a boat and the necessary measures to apply in handling the situations while on board.
He identified steps to be taken in different type of fire outbreak situations and explained the different classes of fire extinguishers that must be engaged when the occasion arises to bring such a disaster under control while sailing.
Prof Nwaoha, also admonished the boat drivers to always prepare themselves for a worst case scenario by always asking the question; ’What If?’ and develop the habit of having a readily available solution to any of such problems that may confront them.
Other Resources Persons who delivered lectures include; Comrade Ogbenero Ubu, who delivered lectures on the 13 Cardinal Safety Measures of NIWA, Comrade Bawo Ighomi, the National Coordinator, River Marshals, NIWA, who highlighted the importance of Life-Jackets while on board and safety navigation rules.
The training is expected to culminate in the certification and licensing of participating operators, marking a significant step toward strengthening safety culture and regulatory compliance across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
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